a. (sb.) rare.
1. Believing, trustful, confiding.
1602. Shaks., Ham., I. iii. 30. If with too credent care you list his Songs.
1800. Sir P. Francis, in Parr’s Wks. (1828), VII. 194. All my credent faculties desert me … when I am called upon to believe [etc.].
1867. J. B. Rose, trans. Æneid, 247. We lend credent ears.
b. as sb. One who believes; a believer.
1638. Chillingw., Relig. Prot., I. Pref. § 29. That opinion which you would fain induce your credents unto.
† 2. a. Having credit or repute; b. credible.
1603. Shaks., Meas. for M., IV. iv. 29. My Authority beares of a credent bulke. Ibid. (1611), Wint. T., I. ii. 142. Then ’tis very credent, Thou may’st co-ioyne with something.
Hence Credently adv., believingly.
1832. Carlyle, Ess. (1872), IV. 227. To have heard credently that such exist.
